Untreated oral health problems have grave health consequences.

Nearly one out of every five older adults in California cannot chew properly due to poor oral health. This includes being unable to chew essentials such as fruits and vegetables, which compounds nutritional problems.

The out-of-pocket cost of dental care is prohibitive for people living on fixed incomes.

In California, the plight of the lowest-income seniors varies from year to year. As of 2018, Denti-Cal (the dental component of California’s Medicaid program) covers poor and near-poor seniors; however, this coverage is at risk during recessions – California provided no adult dental coverage from 2009 to 2014.

Seniors with monthly income over about $1,250 for an individual or assets over $2,000 are not eligible for Denti-Cal.